Wrist tech just keeps getting better! We’ve been testing the new Apple Watch Series 10 for the past few weeks, and it’s quite impressive how Apple continues to refine their smartwatch formula.
The Series 10 feels noticeably thinner and lighter than previous models. When we wore it during workouts and throughout the day, we barely noticed it was there. The new 46mm size offers more screen space without feeling bulky.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Apple Watch Series 10 and whether it’s worth upgrading:
Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the most refined version yet — boasting the largest and brightest display, faster charging, and performance leaps thanks to the S10 chip. It’s a compelling upgrade if you’re coming from Series 6 or earlier, but less so for recent owners (Series 8/9).
What’s New & Notable
- Display & Design
- 42 mm and 46 mm models feature Apple’s largest screen ever (+30% screen area) with thinner bezels and higher angle visibility (+40%).
- Slimmest design yet—10% thinner and up to 20% lighter (with titanium) compared to Series 9.
- Performance & Battery
- Powered by the new S10 SiP — apps launch faster, Siri runs on-device, and the “Double Tap” gesture is instant.
- Same 18-hour battery life; however, fast charging achieves ~80% in 30 minutes—a game changer.
- Health & Safety
- Retains ECG, irregular rhythm alerts, sleep/stress tracking, crash detection, and adds depth and water-temperature sensors.
- Sleep apnea detection coming (watchOS 26).
- Usability & Gestures
- New “Double Tap” pinch and “Wrist Flick” to dismiss notifications improve one-handed control.
User & Expert Reviews
- Cult of Mac: “Display is 20% larger… bezels practically invisible”.
- AppleInsider: Called it “the best smartwatch Apple ever made,” praising speed and screen.
- The Guardian: Best standard Apple Watch for daily wear; only drawbacks are battery life and ruggedness.
- Reddit users: “The sleep tracking… way better. Battery life… way better. Quick charging ✅ The bigger face…”.
“…I do wish you could still get the blood oxygen sensor…”.
📊 Feature Ranking
| Feature | Rating (1–5) |
|---|---|
| Design & Comfort | 5 – Thinner, lighter, sleeker than Series 9 |
| Display Quality | 5 – Biggest, brightest Apple Watch display |
| Performance | 5 – S10 chip delivers noticeable speed boost |
| Battery & Charging | 4 – Fast charge is great, but 18 h battery is unchanged |
| Health & Sensors | 4 – Excellent tracking; misses blood O₂ sensor for US units |
| Software & Gestures | 5 – New gestures (Double Tap, Wrist Flick) are intuitive |
| Price vs Value | 4 – $399 MSRP; trade‑ins improve value, but not a must-have upgrade |
Overall Score: 4.6 / 5
🧭 Should You Upgrade?
- From Series 6 or older: Absolutely. Bigger display, faster performance, better charging, and new health features make it a meaningful upgrade.
- From Series 8 or 9: Optional. If you care about screen size, fast charging, and gestures, it’s worthwhile—otherwise, upgrade when Series 11 arrives.
- Considering Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Choose the Series 10 if you want comfort, daily style, and the same core health features without the bulk or premium price. Opt for the Ultra 2 if you need extended battery life and rugged design.
🛒 Top Models You Can Buy
Here are top-rated Series 10 options you can order online:
Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 46 mm (Jet Black)
Flagship size
$390.28
Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cell 42 mm (Jet Black)
Cellular model
$282.79
Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42 mm (Rose Gold)
Stylish color
$279.00
- Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 46 mm (Jet Black) – Aluminum, 46 mm – ideal for max screen size without cellular.
- Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cell 42 mm (Jet Black) – Adds LTE, slightly smaller case, great for on‑the‑go.
- Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42 mm (Rose Gold) – Stylish and functional, vivid screen at lower price.
✅ Final Take
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a polished, thoughtful advance—packed with the largest display, top-tier performance, fast charging, and subtle yet smart interaction upgrades. If you’re arriving from an older model, it’s a high-value upgrade. Even for recent owners, it’s a solid, if incremental, step forward.
Battery life has been a pleasant surprise. We’re getting through full days with moderate use, and the fast charging is no joke – about 30 minutes gets you to 80%. This makes a huge difference when you’re rushing out the door in the morning.
The health features continue to impress us. ECG readings, sleep tracking, and workout metrics all feel more accurate. The new sleep apnea detection offers peace of mind, though we hope most users never need it.
We did notice the watch still needs daily charging with heavy use. The water resistance works great for swimming, but we wish the battery lasted longer during GPS-heavy activities like hiking.
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers meaningful improvements in a thinner, more comfortable package.
If you’re due for an upgrade or entering the smartwatch world, this model is definitely worth considering.
Rating: 4.6/5 – Very much worth it if you’re due for an upgrade.
Click here to check out the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon today!
Overview of the Apple Watch Series 10 Smartwatch
Getting our hands on the newest Apple Watch was exciting! The Series 10 is noticeably thinner and lighter than previous models, making it much more comfortable for all-day wear. We found the larger display (with 30% more screen area) especially useful when checking notifications or tracking workouts.
Battery life remains at about 18 hours of normal use, but the fast-charging feature impressed us – just 30 minutes gives you 80% power. The health features are comprehensive, including ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and new sleep apnea detection capabilities.
What we didn’t love was the price point, which remains high compared to other smartwatches. Also, you’ll still need to charge it daily unlike some competitors.
The Watch’s durability stood out in our testing – it’s water resistant to 50m and dust resistant with the IP6X rating. For iPhone users wanting a reliable fitness tracker with excellent health insights, this upgrade is worth considering, especially if you have an older model.
Innovative Health and Fitness Monitoring
Tracking health metrics has never been easier with this smartwatch. We found the ECG app especially useful for keeping tabs on heart health. The watch alerts you if your heart rate goes too high or too low, or if it detects an irregular rhythm.
The new Vitals app impressed us during overnight use. It tracked our heart rate, respiratory rate, and other important health metrics while we slept. Speaking of sleep, the watch monitored our sleep stages and even detected signs of sleep apnea.
Women will appreciate the menstrual cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates. For fitness enthusiasts like us, the Activity Rings adapt to match different lifestyles. We loved how the watch measures workout intensity with training load metrics.
The depth and water temperature sensors came in handy during our swim sessions. With all these features packed into a thinner, lighter design, the Apple Watch makes health monitoring feel natural rather than clinical.
Advanced Connectivity Features
The connectivity options on this watch are impressive. We found the new second-generation Ultra Wideband chip makes finding our iPhone much easier than older models. When paired with our phone, the Watch Series 10 maintained a solid connection even when we were several rooms away.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections were stable during our testing. The watch connects quickly to networks and stays connected reliably. GPS tracking was accurate on our outdoor runs, matching the distance measured on marked trails.
For cellular model users, international roaming is now available, which is great for travelers. We appreciated that the watch supports Apple Watch For Your Kids setup, making it a good family option.
The Apple Pay feature works seamlessly – just double-click the side button and hold near a payment terminal. No fumbling for cards while shopping!
Battery drain from connectivity features was minimal in our testing, especially when using Low Power Mode for longer trips.
Unique Safety Capabilities
Safety is a standout feature on the Series 10. We were immediately impressed by the watch’s ability to detect falls and car crashes, potentially saving lives when seconds matter.
The Emergency SOS function works with just a press of the button, connecting you to help right away. During our testing, we found the Check In feature particularly useful – it automatically notifies a chosen contact when you reach your destination.
What surprised us most was how the watch monitors for irregular heart rhythms in the background. It’s like having a health guardian on your wrist. The noise monitoring also alerts you when sound levels might damage your hearing.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Backtrack feature helps prevent getting lost on trails. We appreciated this during a recent hike when we took an unfamiliar path.
While other smartwatches offer some safety features, the Series 10 brings them together in a comprehensive package that works seamlessly with your iPhone.
Dazzling Always-On Retina Display
The screen on this watch is truly impressive. We found the Always-On Retina display to be bright and clear, even in direct sunlight. With up to 2,000 nits of brightness, we could easily see our notifications while out on hikes or runs.
What really caught our eye was how the display dims but stays visible when you’re not looking at it. This feature is handy when you’re in meetings or working out. No need to tap or raise your wrist to check the time.
The edge-to-edge screen gives the Series 10 a modern look. Text is sharp thanks to the 326 pixels per inch resolution. We noticed the screen shows deeper blacks and richer colors than older models.
The watch adjusts brightness automatically based on your surroundings. At night, it dims to just 1 nit, which doesn’t disturb sleep but still lets you see the time if needed.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Design
Sustainability isn’t often the first thing we think about with tech products, but the Series 10 surprised us. Apple has made real progress here. The watch comes with carbon neutral certification when paired with specific bands. We noticed the packaging is much slimmer now, using recycled materials that felt sturdy but minimized waste.
The aluminum case uses 100% recycled material, which doesn’t compromise the sleek look or durability. During our testing, we appreciated that this watch should last for years rather than months – reducing electronic waste compared to cheaper alternatives.
Battery efficiency has also improved. The fast charging feature saves energy by getting to 80% in about half an hour. This sustainability focus doesn’t feel like a marketing gimmick but rather a thoughtful approach to design that we value in products we use daily.
Pros and Cons
After testing this watch for several weeks, we’re ready to share our thoughts. The Apple Watch Series 10 brings notable upgrades with its larger display and slimmer design. Here’s what we discovered during our time with it:
Pros
- Significantly larger display with 30% more screen area makes information easier to read
- Thinner and lighter design feels more comfortable for all-day wear
- Fast charging reaches 80% battery in about 30 minutes
- Advanced health features like ECG, heart rate notifications, and sleep apnea detection
- Water resistant to 50m with depth and temperature sensors for swimming
- Carbon neutral when paired with select bands
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
Cons
- Battery life still only lasts about a day, requiring daily charging
- Higher price point than competitors with similar features
- Works best within Apple ecosystem – limited functionality with Android devices
- No major health sensor upgrades from Series 9
- Aluminum case can scratch more easily than stainless steel models
We found the Apple Watch Series 10 particularly useful for fitness tracking with its customizable Activity Rings and detailed workout metrics. The training load feature helped us better understand workout intensity. However, we wish the battery could last longer for weekend trips without needing a charger.
Customer Reviews
Real users seem truly enthusiastic about the Series 10. We’ve noticed that most customers praise its sleek design and comfortable fit, even with the larger 46mm case. Many mention they’ve upgraded from previous models and appreciate the improved display visibility on this version.
Battery life gets mixed feedback—it typically lasts about a day, which some find limiting compared to other smartwatches. However, users note it charges quickly, which helps offset this concern.
Setup receives consistent praise for being straightforward, with most reporting it takes just minutes to get started. The activity tracking features, particularly the rings that monitor movement, standing time, and exercise, are highlighted as favorite features among fitness-focused users.
Overall, with a 4.6-star rating from over 3,000 reviews, most customers find the Apple Watch Series 10 delivers excellent quality and seamless integration with other Apple devices, though some suggest researching thoroughly before purchasing.
Conclusion
After wearing the Series 10 for several weeks, we’re impressed with what this watch brings to the table. The larger 46mm display makes reading notifications much easier, and the battery lasts through a full day of regular use. While it’s not perfect—we wish the battery could stretch to two days like some competitors—the quick charging helps make up for this limitation.
The fitness tracking features shine brightest, with the activity rings providing just the right motivation to stay active. Setup was a breeze, taking just minutes to get everything running smoothly with our iPhone.
Is it worth the price? For Apple users already in the ecosystem, absolutely. The seamless integration with other Apple products makes this a natural choice, though budget-conscious shoppers might want to consider previous models. Overall, the Series 10 represents a solid upgrade that balances new features with the reliability we’ve come to expect from Apple Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many buyers are curious about what makes this latest wearable truly stand out from previous models. After testing the Series 10 for several weeks, we’ve compiled the most common questions to help you decide if this upgrade is right for you.
What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Series 10 brings several notable improvements that we found impressive during our testing:
- Larger display with up to 30% more screen area, making information easier to read
- Thinner, lighter design that feels more comfortable during all-day wear
- Faster charging capability that delivers 80% battery in about 30 minutes
- Advanced health monitoring including ECG, heart rate notifications, and sleep apnea detection
- Water temperature sensor and depth gauge for swimming and water activities
- Double tap gesture for hands-free control
- Enhanced durability with IP6X dust resistance and 50m water resistance
The 64GB storage and improved S10 chip with 4-core Neural Engine also provide smooth performance across all functions.
How does the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 10 compare to its predecessors?
The Series 10 maintains the standard 18-hour battery life of previous models during normal use, which typically means a full day of wear before needing a recharge. However, we noticed three significant improvements:
- Fast charging is remarkably better, providing 80% charge in just 30 minutes
- Quick top-ups are more efficient – just 15 minutes on the charger provides up to 8 hours of normal use
- Low Power Mode extends battery life up to 36 hours when needed
For sleep tracking, the watch only needs 8 minutes of charging to cover 8 hours of overnight monitoring, which we found extremely convenient.
What new health and fitness capabilities does the Apple Watch Series 10 offer?
The Series 10 introduces several health innovations we found valuable:
- Sleep apnea notifications that can detect potential breathing disturbances during sleep
- Vitals app that monitors overnight health metrics including heart rate and respiratory rate
- Training load tracking to measure workout intensity over time
- Customizable Activity Rings that can be adjusted to match your lifestyle
- Water temperature sensor for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts
The watch continues to offer comprehensive health features from previous models including ECG, heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates, and medication management.
How has the design of the Apple Watch changed with the Series 10 release?
The Series 10 represents the most significant design refresh in several generations:
- Noticeably thinner case (9.7mm) that sits more flush against the wrist
- Lighter construction with the aluminum GPS model weighing just 30g
- Larger display area with up to 30% more screen space
- Brighter screen capable of reaching 2,000 nits (40% brighter when viewed at angles)
- Edge-to-edge display that maximizes the viewable area
We particularly appreciated the new dimensions, as the watch feels less bulky during exercise and sleep while still providing a more readable screen.
Can the Apple Watch Series 10 operate independently from an iPhone?
The Series 10 GPS model we tested requires an iPhone for initial setup and many core functions. However, it can perform several tasks independently:
- Track workouts and activity without your phone present
- Play stored music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Make payments with Apple Pay
- Use built-in GPS for route tracking
- Access some apps that have been optimized for standalone use
For full independence, the cellular version (not the model we tested) allows calls, messages, and streaming without an iPhone nearby. All Series 10 models require iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18 or newer.
What improvements have been made to the Apple Watch Series 10’s water resistance specification?
The Series 10 maintains the 50-meter water resistance rating of recent models, but adds new features for water activities:
- Depth gauge that accurately measures underwater depth
- Water temperature sensor that monitors environmental conditions
- Improved sealing that earned the IP6X dust resistance certification
During our swimming tests, the watch performed flawlessly, tracking laps while providing water depth and temperature readings. The water lock feature prevents accidental touches while swimming, and the speaker expels water when you’re done.
